The 5 Best Superhero TV Shows

As a huge fan of comics and superheroes, I am thrilled that there are so many new comic book TV shows that have premiered over the past few years.

It seems like every few months a new superhero show debuts. Since “Arrow” began its run in 2012, the CW has developed five TV shows based on DC comic book characters that all share the same universe.

On the other side, Marvel has aired several shows including “Agents of SHIELD,” and “Agent Carter,” but their most popular entries have been their Netflix original series starring heroes like Daredevil and Luke Cage.

Though I love all the attention my favorite characters have been getting on the small screen, with every new show that is released it becomes harder to keep up with them on a weekly basis. Adding the demands of a full course load on top of that makes it nearly impossible.

Now that the school year has concluded, many students now have time to catch up on their favorite TV series. Since there are so many superhero-themed shows, it was difficult to narrow down the best few. Here are five superhero TV shows that I highly recommend checking out during summer 2017.

5. The Flash

The Scarlett Speedster has been a fan-favorite superhero for decades and in 2014 he was granted his own show on the CW after appearing on the hit series “Arrow.”

The “Flash” tells the story of forensic scientist Barry Allen who received superpowers after a particle accelerator exploded in his city. Though Barry was given super-speed, many other individuals were given unique powers of their own, and use them to bring terror to Central City. It’s up to Barry and his team at STAR Labs to protect the city.

The “Flash” is a very light-toned superhero show that anyone can enjoy. It isn’t as violent or gritty as “Arrow” or “Daredevil,” but it still is very entertaining. At times the show deals with traveling through time and different dimensions which can be a bit confusing, but the “Flash” definitely has proven to be a hit as it is renewed for a fourth season this fall.

4. Arrow

The show that started it all for the CW is centered on billionaire playboy Oliver Queen, who was stranded on an island for five years before returning to his home, Starling City.

During his time on the island, Oliver transformed into a bulky fighter and became an expert with his bow and arrow. He came home with his new talents, with the goal to eliminate all people who poison his city. Over five seasons, Oliver builds a team and makes countless enemies. This DC series is the darkest show on the CW’s roster as it involves brutal fight scenes and twisted villains who attempt to destroy Oliver’s family and city.

Though certain seasons of “Arrow” are definitely better than others, this show has an extremely dedicated cast led by Stephen Amell and is jam packed with stunning fight scenes and great plots.

3. Jessica Jones

“Jessica Jones” is an intense psychological thriller starring Krysten Ritter. This Marvel Netflix original follows private investigator and former superhero Jessica Jones as she has a run-in with an evil threat from her past.

The acting in this series is superb. Ritter shines as the sassy alcoholic title character, and David Tennant is sensational as the villainous mind-controller Killgrave.

This show also features the debut of Mike Colter as Luke Cage, who went on to star in his own Netflix original in 2016. “Jessica Jones” is another dark superhero that includes very graphic scenes that are not suited for children. However, these scenes make the show feel real and make it one of Marvel’s strongest television entries to date.

2. Legion

“Legion” is a new X-Men related TV show by the FX network. The show is based on the popular X-Men character Legion, whose real name is David Haller.

As a child, David is diagnosed with schizophrenia, but he eventually discovers that he is one of the most powerful mutants in the world. David has various psychic powers like telekinesis and telepathy. The show “Legion” follows David as he manifests his abilities and learns how to control them in order to defeat his biggest enemy.

Though “Legion” only has eight episodes, all eight are packed with unexpected twists and turns that will shock viewers. “Legion” is unlike any other show I’ve seen which makes it difficult to describe. It’s just as much a psychological thriller as it is a superhero show.

“Legion” has a stellar cast and great visual effects that helped it receive a second season ordered for next year.

1. Daredevil

This gritty Marvel Netflix series is the most riveting superhero show that’s available. Daredevil is a street level hero who uses his heightened senses to protect Hells Kitchen.

As a boy, a radioactive substance that enhanced the rest of his senses blinded Matthew Murdock. With the help of his mentor, Stick, Matthew learned to use his abilities to protect those around him.

In this show, Matthew is forced to square off against some fierce opponents such as Kingpin and the Hand. In season 2 of the show, popular characters Electra and Punisher are introduced and bring even more action. Charlie Cox has been excellent as Daredevil and supporting actors Elden Henson and Deborah Ann Woll have been just as good as Matthew’s closest friends.

“Daredevil” brings superhero fight scenes to the next level, and gives viewers a more realistic story. Unlike most superhero adaptations, this show is very gory and shows how much suffering heroes go through. Daredevil can next be seen in the upcoming Netflix series the “Defenders” as he teams up with Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist to take on an enormous threat.

“Daredevil” has also been renewed for a third season.

Tags:

Follow Daniel

Daniel is a sophomore majoring in Psychology and Spanish at Penn State. He is an avid sports fan and a TV/movie enthusiast who loves alternative rock music. Please feel free to check out any of his articles!